The fitness levels of Canadian young people and adults declined significantly between 1981 and 2009, according to a new report.

The Statistics Canada study, known as the Canadian Health Measures Survey, is being touted as the most comprehensive fitness survey ever conducted in Canada.

The new study found that among youth aged 15 to 19, the percentage whose waist circumference put them at an increased or high risk of health problems more than tripled.

In two other unrelated studies, it was found that keeping the heart pumping through physical activity helps to protect and even reverse memory problems in older adults.

Those between ages 50 and 65 who reported engaging in moderate physical activity, such as playing golf without a cart, swimming or brisk walking, showed a 39 per cent reduction in the odds of developing mild cognitive impairment, the team found.

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